What Is Contiguous?

In a legal context, "contiguous" refers to properties or parcels of land that are physically touching or sharing a common boundary. This term is often used in real estate and property law to describe the relationship between adjacent parcels of land.

Contiguous Explained

Contiguous, derived from the Latin word "contiguus," means touching or in contact. In the legal realm, it is most commonly applied in real estate to describe parcels of land that share a border.

The concept of contiguity is significant in various legal scenarios, such as zoning laws, land use planning, property taxation, and land development.

In real estate law, the term is used to establish whether two parcels are considered a single piece of property or multiple separate properties.

This distinction can affect property taxes, zoning regulations, and the application of certain property rights. For instance, when a property owner wishes to develop land, whether the parcels involved are contiguous can influence the development permissions granted by local authorities.

The Term Contiguous in Different Legal Contexts

Real Estate and Property Law: In real estate law, contiguity is crucial for zoning and development purposes. Contiguous parcels might be treated as a single lot for purposes of applying building codes or determining compliance with zoning laws. This can affect setbacks, density requirements, and permissible uses of the land.

Environmental Law: In environmental law, contiguous properties can impact regulations concerning environmental protections and land use restrictions. For example, when assessing the environmental impact of a proposed development, authorities may consider the cumulative effect on contiguous parcels.

Tax Law: For property tax assessments, whether parcels are contiguous can determine if they are assessed as one unit or multiple units. This can influence the overall tax liability of the property owner.

Eminent Domain: In the context of eminent domain, contiguity can affect compensation and the extent of land that may be seized for public use. If contiguous parcels are considered a single entity, the valuation and compensation might differ compared to separate parcels.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Contiguous

A common misconception about "contiguous" is that any close proximity between parcels qualifies them as contiguous. However, in legal terms, contiguity requires that the parcels share a common boundary. Simply being near each other does not meet the definition.

Another misconception is that the concept of contiguity is only relevant in real estate law. While it is most frequently encountered in this context, contiguity also plays a significant role in environmental regulations, tax assessments, and eminent domain cases.

Additionally, some believe that the legal implications of contiguity are uniform across all jurisdictions. In reality, the specific requirements and legal consequences of contiguity can vary widely depending on local laws and regulations.

It is essential to consult the relevant legal provisions in the specific jurisdiction to understand how contiguity is defined and applied.

Share

Recommendations

Drew Davis Van De Grift

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Birmingham - Michigan

1895 Bradford Rd, Michigan, 48009-7253
  • Thomas M. Cooley
  • Contracts and Agreements, Freedom of Information Act, Government Contracts, Employment and Labor, State, Local And Municipal Law, Government and Tax
  • Birmingham, Michigan Contracts and Agreements Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Birmingham - Michigan

1895 Bradford Rd, Michigan, 48009-7253

Paul J. Carrier

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Brighton - Michigan

224 N 1st St, Michigan, 48116-1205
  • Contracts and Agreements and International Law
  • Brighton, Michigan Contracts and Agreements Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Brighton - Michigan

224 N 1st St, Michigan, 48116-1205

Mustapha Nabil Hawily

Business Lawyer Serving at Dearborn - Michigan

23756 Michigan Ave Ste 300, Michigan, 48124-1853
  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
  • Business, Criminal Defense, Family, Immigration and Personal Injury
  • Dearborn, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Dearborn - Michigan

23756 Michigan Ave Ste 300, Michigan, 48124-1853

Christopher J. Johnson

Civil Rights Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

1675 Green Rd, Michigan, 48105-2530
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • Civil Rights, Freedom of Information Act, Government Contracts, Insurance, State, Local And Municipal Law, Government and Police Misconduct
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan Civil Rights Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

1675 Green Rd, Michigan, 48105-2530

Jessamyne Marie Kalabat

Commercial Lawyer Serving at Farmington Hills - Michigan

31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 145, Michigan, 48334-5420
  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
  • Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Environmental and Natural Resources, Litigation, Probate and Real Estate
  • Farmington Hills, Michigan Commercial Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Farmington Hills - Michigan

31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 145, Michigan, 48334-5420

Sean Christopher Etheridge

Business Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

789 N Dixboro Rd, Michigan, 48105-9723
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Health Care, Licensing and Securities Offerings
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

789 N Dixboro Rd, Michigan, 48105-9723

Lynda D. McGhee

Juvenile Lawyer Serving at Hamtramck - Michigan

2933 Caniff St Unit 12250, Michigan, 48212-4712
  • Juvenile and Probate
  • Hamtramck, Michigan Juvenile Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Hamtramck - Michigan

2933 Caniff St Unit 12250, Michigan, 48212-4712

Damir Junicic

Workers Compensation Law Lawyer Serving at Los Angeles - California

Law Office of Damir Junicic, 10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101, California, 90024-4112
  • Workers Compensation Law
  • Los Angeles, California Workers Compensation Law Lawyer
Free Consultation +13107535155

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Los Angeles - California

Law Office of Damir Junicic, 10880 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1101, California, 90024-4112
Free Consultation +13107535155

Nicholas Joseph Schroeck

Environmental and Natural Resources Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

651 E Jefferson Ave, Michigan, 48226-4349
  • Wayne State University School of Law
  • Environmental and Natural Resources
  • Detroit, Michigan Environmental and Natural Resources Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

651 E Jefferson Ave, Michigan, 48226-4349

David S. Nows

Business Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - Michigan

164 Grawn Hall, Michigan, 48859-0001
  • University of Pennsylvania Law School
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Immigration, Mergers and Acquisitions, Divestitures, Public Finance and Tax Exempt Finance, Securities Offerings, Sports and Tax
  • Mount Pleasant, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - Michigan

164 Grawn Hall, Michigan, 48859-0001